NEW ORLEANS — On a night when both teams were missing their most recognizable faces, the Los Angeles Lakers showed that depth — not just superstardom — can define a season. Behind a brilliant trio performance by Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić, and Deandre Ayton, the Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 118–104, improving to 2-0 in NBA Cup play.

Reaves, who has steadily transformed from an undrafted hopeful into one of the league’s most reliable late-game scorers, led the Lakers with 31 points, attacking the rim with a confidence that reminded fans why LeBron James himself once called him “a special talent.”

Meanwhile, Luka Dončić — the All-NBA superstar whose rise from Real Madrid to the NBA has been nothing short of cinematic — delivered 24 points and 12 assists. Dončić, who remains one of the most influential young players globally, continues to raise expectations every time he steps onto the court.

And then there was Deandre Ayton, the former No. 1 draft pick, who played arguably his best game as a Laker. Ayton finished with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and a near-perfect 10-for-11 shooting night. The chemistry between Dončić and Ayton was particularly visible during a soaring alley-oop dunk late in the second quarter — the kind of play that makes fans pause and say: Yes, this team might really be dangerous.

Head coach Darvin Ham praised the trio afterward, saying the team “played with urgency, discipline, and trust,” adding that Ayton’s dominance in the paint “sets the tone for everyone else.”

Pelicans Fight, but Flaws Run Deep

For the hometown Pelicans, there were bright spots — but too few to change the storyline. Trey Murphy III, one of the league’s most promising shooters, dropped 35 points, marking his second 34+ point game in four contests.

Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears added 19 points and a stunning eight steals, showing the kind of defensive anticipation that scouts had raved about. Herb Jones, known for his elite defensive ability, pitched in 13 points, while Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen provided supporting offense and rebounding.

But despite these flashes, the Pelicans have now fallen to 2-10, the worst record in the Western Conference. Their struggles are magnified without their franchise cornerstone Zion Williamson, who remains sidelined with a left hamstring strain.

Missing Kings, Rising Knights

Both teams were without their headline stars — LeBron James (recovering from sciatica) and Zion Williamson (hamstring) — but the Lakers still managed to impose their rhythm.

When New Orleans made a late push, cutting the lead to eight with 8:20 remaining, Dončić responded with a vintage 12-foot fadeaway before Reaves closed the door with free throws and a midrange jumper.

The Lakers may not know how long LeBron will be out, but games like this offer reassurance that his supporting cast is ready to carry weight.

A Needed Spark for Los Angeles

At the top of West Group B, the Lakers are building early momentum in NBA Cup play. More importantly, the combination of Dončić’s vision, Ayton’s inside presence, and Reaves’ clutch scoring offers a promising blueprint for their future.

For the Pelicans, meanwhile, the comeback road grows tougher by the day. Head coach Willie Green now faces the difficult task of steadying a young roster amid mounting losses.

As both squads prepare for their next challenges, one thing remains certain:
Friday night belonged entirely to the Lakers’ new power trio.

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